Earls feared his career was ‘going to fizzle out'  

Keith Earls feared his career would fizzle out after his groin injury but he is set to make his 100th appearance in an Irish jersey on Saturday against old foes England. 

ONE HUNDRED AND COUNTING: Keith Earls looks set to make his 100th appearance for Ireland against England on Saturday. Pic:©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

There was a time, just four months ago, when Keith Earls feared he was in danger of fizzling out as a rugby player, his hopes of a dream ending to a glittering career dashed by one injury too many.

Yet time, and a high-grade tear to his groin, have proven great healers and this Saturday the 35-year-old winger will take to centre stage at Aviva Stadium once more, just the ninth Ireland player to reach 100 Test caps for his country.